But in the long run it benefits the economic conservatives; e.g., Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Jon Huntsman, Mitch Daniels. (Newt Gingrich is now even more of a wild card, but has a big flag in the economic conservative camp.)

Ultimately, an economic conservative that does not completely alienate populists and social conservatives stands the best chance of beating Obama in 2012, and now, after the news from Huckabee, stands the best chance of getting the GOP nomination.

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